?Jungle☀️ Island?
I recently visited Jungle Island (formerly known as Parrot Jungle). It’s a super cool interactive zoological park. It was originally called Parrot Jungle and was located in Pinecrest since 1936. I went there ALL the time as a kid. Then, In 2007 the park was relocated to Watson Island just east of Downtown Miami. This park is BIG, 22 acres. It has animals: Lions, monkeys, Tigers, Penguins, Flamingos, Turtles, Snakes, Kangaroos & more! There are also dozens of parrots perched on every corner – just hanging out. The parrots whistle at you or say “hello” – they also sell food all around the park that you can feed them. My 3 year old loved this and the parrots were very mild mannered. This park has the feel like you are in the amazon with all the shade trees and crazy animals. There are a few shows and exhibits that are not to be missed. There is a big playground with pavilions and picnic tables. There is also a pretty big petting zoo for the kids.
But the best part of this zoo/park (in my humble opinion) was the amazing floating obstacle course in the Bay just off the beach. Its official name is “Rainforest Riptide”. This area is located in the very back of the park. There is a sandy beach area with free Cabanas and about 50 beach chairs scattered around under tall swaying palm trees. To experience this obstacle course, there is an extra fee of about $15. You can buy a wrist band at the stands on the beach or in the guest services entrance in the front. Once you have a wrist band, get fitted in a life jacket and swim out to the course. It features balance beams, action towers, water trampolines, cliffs, slides and a swing. Climb up the glacier mountain and see if you have the guts to jump off the top! (I had to be persuaded to make this 15 foot jump. But I’m so glad I did it.) Have you ever seen ABCs TV show “WIPE OUT”? This feels just like being a contestant on that show. I would recommend this park for rambunctious kids and fun loving adults.
#miamibeach #travelette #4funfamilyof4
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